University of Detroit Mercy broke ground on a new 40,000 square-foot Student Fitness Center on the McNichols Campus, on Sept. 22. The Center will feature a two-court gymnasium for recreation and intramural sports such as basketball, volleyball, badminton and floor hockey; an elevated three-lane track; a group exercise room; men's and women's lockers rooms and restrooms; a lobby and student lounge and snack bar.

At the groundbreaking ceremony, UDM leaders gave remarks, led prayers and blessed the site before digging the ceremonial first shovel-fulls of dirt for the project, expected to be completed in 2012.